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What Do I use?

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  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: US
  • 736 posts
Posted by tomwatkins on Friday, November 19, 2004 5:34 PM
I generally use a #77 or 78 bit for the holes. It does vary depending on whose grabs you use or what size wire you use. A strip of .020 thick Evergreen styrene strip works great as a spacer to hold the grabs at a consistent distance from the surface of the model.
Have Fun,
Tom Watkins
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, November 19, 2004 4:40 PM
Not at all - I bought two sets of the Walthers grab iron kits for my Athearn F7s, then I just used the paper drill guides and made up grabs in brass - cost per unit for handmade grabs is about £1 or so as opposed to £4 for the kit. Need to fit these to my Walthers B40-8 to fini***he detail project.
  • Member since
    August 2004
  • 232 posts
Posted by ckape on Friday, November 19, 2004 3:31 PM
Am I the only one who bends them from brass wire?
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, November 19, 2004 3:08 PM
Im using A-line grab Irons They do not say what size. I bought 10 packs for $5.00 at a show.
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, November 19, 2004 2:57 PM
It also depends upon whose grab irons you want to install. Detail Associates #2202 note right on the package to use a #80 bit.

Bob Boudreau
  • Member since
    March 2002
  • From: Elgin, IL
  • 3,677 posts
Posted by orsonroy on Friday, November 19, 2004 2:53 PM
It all depends on what you're using for grabs. Most come in .012" wire, but some come in .010", and some come in .015". In general though, a #74 bit will get you through most projects.

Ray Breyer

Modeling the NKP's Peoria Division, circa 1943

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
What Do I use?
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, November 19, 2004 2:37 PM
What size bit do I need to install Grab Irons? What number? It is time I fix some of these Athearns up! I have a couple oof bits but all are to big!

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